UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme to be Replaced

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is the United Kingdom's current points based system for non-European Union highly skilled migrants who wish to come to the UK to live and work. A prior job offer and a work permit are not needed for employment. Introduced in 2002, HSMP has been a very popular immigration scheme.

However, in March of 2008, the HSMP is expected to be rolled into the UK's new points based system. The new system will have five tiers, with Tier 1 encompassing highly skilled migration. Some advantages that exist in the current HSMP scheme will be lost and it could become harder to qualify under the new Tier 1 rules. Some requirements, such as English language ability, could become more difficult to qualify for.

If you wish to take advantage of the current system, now is the best time to apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. Please see our free points calculator to assess your chances of coming to the UK under the HSMP.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme allows individuals to score points on such criteria as their age, qualifications, and past earnings. If you can score 75 points against the various criteria and show acceptable English language proficiency, you can be granted an initial HSMP visa for two years which can be renewed.

In addition, if you earned a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from one of the top 50 business schools in the world, you can be eligible for the MBA Provision. The MBA Provision automatically grants 75 points if the school the applicant earned their MBA from was on the list at the time of graduation.

Unfortunately, the MBA Provision will be removed when the HSMP is supplanted by the new points based system. If you earned an MBA from an eligible university and wish to live and work in the UK, it would be best to apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme now.

With 20 years of experience behind us, workpermit.com can help you make your HSMP application. If you are interested, you can fill out our free assessment! One of our immigration advisors will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

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